Landon Neace changed his game plan a little, and it paid off.

The Warrenton sophomore, running in the Class 4 District 3 race at Hannibal LaGrange University on Saturday, wasn’t in the position he’d hoped.

So, he decided to change that and the decision paid off.

“During the race, I was thinking before going into the woods that I was in a horrible spot, so I decided to kick it and go faster than I needed to,” Neace said. “The course itself was really good in my opinion; it was a little muddy, but I powered through it.”

In the end, Neace’s kick helped him finish 12th in a time of 17 minutes, 40.7 seconds.

Warrenton Coach Jeremy Collins praised Neace for gutting out the race with his toughness and coming all the way back from missing time on the training and competition courses to, once again, make the state championships.

“Landon, again, was on the bubble going into districts,” said Collins of Neace’s state ranking. “He hasn't been able to train as much and has missed some practices, so I didn't know what type of condition he would be in. At best, I thought he might place in the mid-20s, but he placed 12th with a PR.

“I was just thinking during the last 400 meters, just get to the finish line because he was running on fumes,” Collins continued. “His race is one of the gutsiest races I have seen as a coach. It is great to see him qualify for state again. Last year as a freshman, he pulled his hamstring and didn´t run like he was capable of, so it is good for him to have a chance to redeem himself and just get another year of experience running at the state meet.”

Now, Neace will return to Gans Creek to run tomorrow (Friday) on the course where he placed 143rd last year in 18:56.1.

Neace said his goals are simple. When he takes to the Gans Creek course at 1:45 p.m. Friday, he hopes to clear the bar he set last year. 

“Going into state, I just want to have a stronger race than last year,” Neace said.

Just like Neace, Warrenton senior Alexis Ruff ran her race and it led her to Columbia.

Her time of 21:15.19 was good enough for 20th place and a qualifying spot in the state championship.

“Qualifying for state was overwhelming and exciting,” Ruff said. “This season has taught me a lot about pushing my limits and I’m thankful for that. When getting ready for districts, I didn’t allow myself to think of anything less than qualifying. I told myself I would do what it took and (I could) hurt when it’s over.”

Just like Neace, the qualifying race was a departure for Ruff, her coach said. 

“Alexis did something she has never done before: she started in the top three,” said Collins of the runner helping to set the pace. “She usually starts around the middle of the pack and works her way up as the race goes on. She said the race started slow, and she found herself in the lead after the first 200 meters. As the race progressed, she settled into the low 20s for the rest of the race.  She finished 20th in 21:15, her second-fastest time in her high school career.”

Ruff returns to state after a hiatus.

After making the championship as a freshman and sophomore, she stepped away from the sport last fall.

“It was great to see her qualify for state,” Collins said. “I am very proud of how she has competed this year.”  

With one final race to go, she runs in the final at 1 p.m.; Ruff’s goals are simple.

“My goal is to PR,” Ruff said. “I (also want to) enjoy my last race and have fun.”